The director of the Space and upper atmosphere Research Commission (Supparco) of Pakistan, Shafaat Ali, revealed on Friday that Pakistan will send two astronauts based on the merit to train in China, marking a significant milestone, since it becomes the first foreign country to participate in the training program at the Beijing Space Station.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan signed an agreement with China to train Pakistani astronauts, with selected candidates based on merit, including doctoral holders, experienced pilots and graduates who meet specific physical requirements, he told a private news channel.
He said that Pakistan has collaborated with China to offer astronaut training to Pakistani citizens, with an focus on selecting candidates with exceptional academic credentials, relevant experience and compliance with specific physical standards.
Ali stressed that China initially reserved the training of astronauts exclusively for its citizens, but now has extended this opportunity to Pakistan, promoting greater link and friendship between the two nations.
The director of Supparco described a rigorous three -stage selection process for aspiring Pakistani astronauts, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates for the training program in China are chosen.
The astronaut selection process will be completed by 2026, he added.
Responding to a consultation, he said that the mission will perform avant -garde scientific experiments in several fields, including biological and medical sciences, aerospace, applied physics, fluid mechanics, spatial radiation, ecology, material sciences, microgravity studies and astronomy in CSS.
Ali also expressed his sincere gratitude to the prime minister and the Chinese government for extending this remarkable opportunity to Pakistan, allowing the country to take a giant leap in space exploration.
